James Darling (priest)

James Darling (1787-1864) was a Scottish Free Church minister and noted bibliographer. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated at the University of Edinburgh and licensed to preach by the Church of Scotland in 1813. He served as the minister of the North Church, Aberdeen from 1813 until 1843 when he seceded in the Disruption and joined the Free Church of Scotland. He then established a Free Church congregation in Aberdeen.

Darling is best remembered for his extensive bibliographical work, particularly the "Cyclopaedia Bibliographica: A Library Manual of Theological and General Literature, and Guide to Books for Authors, Preachers, Students, and Literary Men." This comprehensive catalogue, published in 1854 and intended to be a continually updated resource, listed thousands of theological and general works, often including biographical information about the authors and critical appraisals of the books. It remains a valuable resource for researchers in church history and literature of the period.

Darling was also a respected preacher and theologian within the Free Church. He died in Aberdeen in 1864. His bibliographical legacy continues to be consulted by scholars and book collectors.